Did you know that - Front bumpers

[Old Mac Rocco]

Did you know that - Front bumpers and rear bumpers have the identical bar /beams ???????
I DID'T know this until I started to split the rear bumper I got yesterday and thought "I've seen this somewhere before".
The bar / beams have identical holes on the top, front and bottom faces though different holes are used.
If I am right this means that anyone who is looking for a bar /beam to replace a rusty one can use either a front OR rear bumper to do the job ??????
Can someone PLEASE verify that this is right.
Some pics to back up my reasoning.





The only difference I can see is that the small spreader beam is at the top of the front bumper and at the bottom of the back bumper as shown in the bottom pic.
Anyone else got any "Did you know that ...........

[Nate]

doesn't surprise me atall. did you know that car manufacturers are unbelievably lazy?

[Old Mac Rocco]

Just makes me wonder how often people have refused a back bumper beam because they thought they needed a front bumper beam or vice versa.
Anyone registered on vagcat to see if it is the same part number ?????
Anyone else have any I didn't know that .........

[PeteGLi]

..............Anyone registered on vagcat to see if it is the same part number ?????
.........

Only shows the part number for a complete bumper.

[Old Mac Rocco]

Thanks PeteGLi

[KrisB]

So glad I have just read this. Took my front and rear bumpers off yesterday and the rear one is very rusty. Now I can look for either. Excellent

[Old Mac Rocco]

Hi Kris just check the holes on both to see if I am right.
And this may help you when you come to removing the beam from the bumper
http://sciroccoregisterforum.co.uk/carf ... per#p85752
I've now got two beams with two coats of Hammerite ready to take the bumpers when I finish spraying them.
Another tip is to photograph them prior to dismantling them ie position of supports, location of bolts etc.
All the bolts can be bought from VW but they are very expensive so if you have a good local hardware shop nearby check in there first.

[KrisB]

Cheers old man.

Wont be doing for a few weeks yet still dismantling the rocco so when I come to it will will have a look and the bolts look ok from a quick visual.

[Old Mac Rocco]

When you do start to take it apart remove the plastic bumper from the beam as this allows you access to the DOME headed bolts that are used.
These are the bandits with a square shoulder at the top.

It means that you can cut (hacksaw) or dremel a slot on the dome head to try and hold it from turning if required.
The first bumper I split I had to cut three bolts second time round only one.